Infection and high risk pregnancy are connected: during pregnancy the effect of infection can be devastating. The most common infections are perhaps urinary tract infections. Urine samples are sent for culture and sensitivity test and the infection is eradicated with antibiotic treatment.
V.D. such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are treated according to the protocols available to physicians. Herpes simplex is treated with acyclovir and other herpes medication. Should genital herpes be active prior to delivery, a caesarean section would have to be considered to prevent serious herpes in the newborn. HIV infection (=AIDS) is treated with zidovudine and other newer antiretroviral agents to prevent spread to the fetus.
Hepatitis requires special therapy with immunoglobulines and active vaccination of hepatitis A and B at the time of birth. Toxoplasmosis, if treated early can leave a pregnancy untouched, on the other hand it can be devastating, if there is an acute infection in an early pregnancy. Rubella often leads to severe congenital malformations and intrauterine death. Investigations through an obstetrician utilizing ultrasound to assess the condition of the fetus and involving a neonatologist are often necessary.
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